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McDonald will rest sore right shoulder

MLB.com national columnist Phi Rogers discusses the Cubs' plans for the back of their rotation, plus the emergence of prospect Javier Baez

By Carrie Muskat
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MLB.com |

MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs pitcher James McDonald, pulled from Monday's start after throwing two pitches, has some tendinitis in his right shoulder, and will be sidelined for a few days.

McDonald, who was limited to six starts last season with the Pirates because of shoulder issues, said he felt some discomfort in the bullpen prior to the Cubs' game against the Athletics.

"It felt a little sore warming up," McDonald said Tuesday. "I had some soreness early last year. Me being a little precautious, it was something where I didn't want it to end up being something worse, so I said something -- 'Hey, my shoulder is a little tender and sore.'"

He threw two pitches in the game, and was lifted. McDonald said the soreness is not the same as last year.

"It's nowhere near the extent of where I was at last year," he said.

The plan now is to rest and get the inflammation out, then resume throwing.

"Today I feel reasonably better," McDonald said. "I did some stuff yesterday, did some stuff today. Maybe I'll start throwing in a couple days or so."

McDonald has not had an MRI on his arm. The Cubs want to wait.

"He came in today and was a lot better," manager Rick Renteria said. "We'll just continue to monitor him and see how he feels [Wednesday]."

The right-hander was a candidate for the fifth starter spot on the Cubs. The other options include left-handers Chris Rusin, who will start Friday against the White Sox, and Tsuyoshi Wada, who will start in a Minor League game on Thursday.